Vortec 8.1ltr

10-02-2002, 04:56 AM

Would anybody recommend syntetic oils for this new(4k) motor?

53flyingcloud · 10-02-2002, 05:18 AM

KarzyKraut: I've used MobileOne Syn Oil ever since 1974, when it first became available in my area. Not once have I ever experienced a failure using this product. The only thing I did differently, was to change my syn oil more frequently then what Mobile Company says you can go between oil changes. In my case, at the time, I was driving both a Volvo and MB, both of which recommanded oil changes much sooner than 25,000 miles. For example: if it was every 3,000 miles, I would go 6,000 miles between oil changes and, change the oil filter at that time as well. My personal feelings: If it were me, I'd go for the Syn Oil. It's temp range far exceeds that of natural oil plus, it's just superior to natural oil in all other aspects. Does cost more but~~
Just be sure you stay within the viscosity range recommanded for your engine
ciao
Congs on the new rig~!

thenewkid64 · 10-02-2002, 06:06 AM

I would second what towner said as well as make this point. If the motorhome sits for any extended period without use dino oil is still going to age and be bad for the engine. Syn will be stable and not harm the engine should you store the motorome for more than a month. Dino oils strart breakng down as soon as they become contaminiated, that is why the reccomendation has a time or mileage component.

BobbyW · 10-02-2002, 06:26 AM

I use Mobile 1 in everything.

My 1985 S-10 had 300,000+ miles when I sold it 2 years ago. My 1991 S-10 Blazer has 190,000 on it right now. My 1995 Siverado has 160,000 on it right now. I use Mobile 1 in the differentials also. All are changed around 5000-6000 miles with new AC Delco filters. Filters are just as important as the oil choice.

Summers are brutal in South Central Texas. I try to help the engines any way I can.

Also use it in my 10 year old Lawntractor with a 16hp Kohler engine and a Honda powered generator.

-BobbyWright

thenewkid64 · 10-02-2002, 08:15 AM

When I changed the oil in my genset I went with synthetic oil. Any way you look at it generators abuse oil. Leve it sit for 4-6 weeks, then run the heck out of it for 10-12 hours and shut it down at full temp and let it cool with convection. I also find that engines seem to run quieter with syntheic oil. Is it just me or have you had the same experience?

ALANSD · 10-02-2002, 10:22 AM

I also put Synth ol in my gen-set. I used Castrol Syn-blend first, which is part synth, then went to Syntec all synth. No real reason for this other than the blend was on sale the first time out. Noticed quicker starting, smoother running after install.
Also I start my gen and let it run under load at least once a week, whether I am out in the motorhome or not. I run the a/c off the gen for half to a full hour.
Use it or lose it is my motto for engines.

74Argosy24MH · 10-02-2002, 12:02 PM

When I first built my engine I talked to Amsoil about the filter setup, etc. They said not to use synthetic until it was broken in, too slippery and the rings would not seat properly. That would be my only concern at 4,000 miles, maybe check with the dealer or manufacturer and get an opinion on that.

John

**Pick** · 10-02-2002, 12:13 PM

I use Amsoil and/or Mobile 1 in everything. With modern engines I don't think you have to worry about "break in". The newer Corvettes all shipped with Mobile 1 out of the factory. I put Mobile 1 in my 454 at the first oil change. You will probably gain about 1.5 mpg in that 8.1 if you switch to synthetic.

davidz71 · 10-02-2002, 12:39 PM

I've been an Amsoil dealer for around 10 years and run 5W-30 synthetic in my trucks as well as my son's '90 K1500 4X4
Sport shortbed truck. I do not keep much stock other than to take care of my family's vehicles and a friend or two. When I run out of Amsoil, I supplement with Mobile 1 because it is good synthetic also. With that said, 4,000 to 5,000 miles is not too early to start synthetic. I've heard people say that you should wait until 10,000 miles but I'm not a believer. Chevy Corvette engines come from the factory with synthetic motor oil in the crankcase. I wonder why that is? I still believe that a couple thousand miles of regular dino oil is good for the motor until you change over as was mentioned in an earlier post . I have an '01 2500HD with 8.1 that I changed to synthetic at 2,700 miles and change every 4,000 miles. Filtration is the key with any oil you use. Look at most of the filters you see today and they are smaller than what you would think they should be. They sacrifice filter capacity for size and therein lies the problem.

Before my teenage son rolled my '92 Z71 4X4 with 5.7 engine and 5 speed manual trans, it had 143,000 miles on it. I bought it used with 33,000 miles and started using Amsoil 5W-30 and the Amsoil dual bypass oil filtration system. I would change the fullflow filter at 9,000 miles, add a qt., go 9,000 miles and change both the fullflow as well as the bypass filter. My system held 6.2 qts. of oil. I figured it out that at dealer cost I was equalling what I would do by going to Walmart, buying AC Delco filters, 5 qts. of Havoline 5W-30 dino oil and changing every 3,000 miles. The motor was running strong, not burning oil, when the truck was rolled.

I highly recommend the Amsoil, Mobile One, Royal Purple and Red Line synthetic oils over regular petroleum lubrication. I also recommend the Hastings filters carried by Amsoil as well as their own brand SDF filters. Mobile One and STP filters are also excellent filters to buy.

ALANSD · 10-02-2002, 02:08 PM

That brings another question up= how are "regular" oil filters in use with synthetic? Any difference?
I have used NAPA filters which I believe are Wix brand, and also use Purolator. Used these filters for years, but only recently started synth oil use.

10-02-2002, 07:18 PM

hey trotter, I'm right down the street from you, seabrook

davidz71 · 10-03-2002, 04:45 PM

Guys,
Use a search engine and hunt for oil filters or auto filters. I bookmarked two sites that cut filters up to look at the internal construction. They also ran some tests for filtering capability. That is where I found that FRAM filters used paper internal ends that sometime failed. Before using Amsoil SDF, Hastings and STP filters, I would use AC Delco and FRAM. AC are still good filters according to the tests conducted. Since you will probably be driving more miles between oil changes with synthetic, shouldn't you consider the best filter you can find?

lee_jachter · 10-19-2002, 08:31 PM

I use Synthetic (straight, not a blend). in everything.
No failures with Mobil 1 in 20 years. I change oil in turbos and everything at 10,000 miles. I've swithced over numerous cars with over 100,000 miles. What a difference it makes if the car is outside in subzero weather...

**Pick** · 10-20-2002, 06:53 AM

Not knocking Mobile 1, cause it's in my 454 as a temporary measure right now, til I stock up on Amsoil for the winter. But I have read in more than one place, that according to oil analysis reports, Mobile 1's additives are depleted at 4500 miles. At 3000 miles it might be a good idea to change filter and top off with a fresh quart to replentish the additives.